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Most famous pilgrimage destinations in South America

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Aparecida
Serene pilgrimage site amid lush landscapes
7.2
In 1717 three fishermen netted a clay statue of the Virgin from the Paraíba River. The dark statue is only about 14 inches tall. Today it stands in a huge basilica with room for tens of thousands. About ten million pilgrims visit each year, with crowds peaking on 12 October.
Highlights:
  • 🎡 Ride funicular to panoramic city view
  • 🏘️ Explore historic Aparecida town center streets
  • ⛪ Attend midnight mass at Basilica of Our Lady
Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
8.1
The chapel on Penha hill dates to 1635, nearly two centuries before Brazil's independence. A granite staircase of 382 steps leads up to the church. In October many pilgrims climb it on foot or on their knees. The chapel at the base of Christ the Redeemer honours Our Lady of Aparecida.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic sands of Copacabana Beach
  • ✝️ Stand before Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain
  • 🚠 Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views
Lima
Historic Charm Meets Coastal Vibes
7.3
Each October, Lima turns purple for the Lord of Miracles procession. An enslaved man from Angola painted a Christ on an adobe wall in the 1650s. That wall stayed standing through the 1655 earthquake. Thousands of devotees in purple robes follow the image through the streets. Main processions fall on 18 and 19 October.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Stroll the scenic Malecón along the Pacific coast
  • 🎨 Visit the Museo Larco for ancient Peruvian art
  • 🏛️ Explore the historic Plaza de Armas and Cathedral
Peru
Ancient wonders meet diverse landscapes
7.6
Dancers called ukukus wear woollen masks and carry blocks of ice down a glacier. The Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage takes place each year before Corpus Christi in the Sinakara valley. Tens of thousands of pilgrims camp in the cold at about 15,000 feet. The festival blends Catholic and Andean beliefs.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Discover the ancient ruins of Cusco’s Sacred Valley
  • 🛶 Take a boat tour on Lake Titicaca’s floating islands
  • ⛰️ Hike the Inca Trail to the majestic Machu Picchu
Colombia
Where diverse landscapes meet culture
6.6
According to tradition, a woman and her deaf daughter sheltered from a storm near Ipiales in 1754. They saw an image of the Virgin on the canyon wall. The Gothic Revival sanctuary, built from 1916 to 1949, spans the gorge on a bridge. Pilgrims leave thank you plaques on the walls.
Highlights:
  • ☕ Enjoy Colombian coffee at plantations in Salento
  • 🥾 Hike to the Lost City deep in the Sierra Nevada
  • 🏰 Wander the colonial streets of Cartagena’s walled city
Salvador
Afro-Brazilian Soul on the Sea
6.6
The hilltop church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim crowns a rise above the bay. In January women called baianas wear white and wash the steps with scented water. In Candomblé, the church's Lord is linked to the deity Oxalá. Pilgrims tie coloured wish ribbons to the church railings.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Watch the sunset over All Saints Bay from the São Marcelo Fort
  • 🥁 Listen to live samba rhythms on the streets at night
  • 🎨 Explore the colorful Pelourinho district and its colonial architecture
Argentina
Land of diverse natural wonders
8.3
The Basilica of Our Lady of Luján has neo-Gothic spires that tower over the pampas town. About a million people walk there overnight from Buenos Aires each October, roughly 37 miles. The statue inside is a small clay figure honoured since the 1600s. Argentines name the Virgin of Luján their patron.
Highlights:
  • 🥩 Taste authentic Argentine steak paired with Malbec wine
  • 💃 Dance tango in a traditional Buenos Aires milonga
  • 🌊 Marvel at the thundering Iguazu Falls from the Devil’s Throat lookout
Ecuador
Compact country, immense biodiversity
6.5
Hymns and prayers rise along the road as pilgrims follow the Virgin of El Cisne. Each August her statue travels from the village of El Cisne to the cathedral in Loja. The Virgin stays there until September then returns to her village in another procession. Locals call her La Churonita.
Highlights:
  • 🌍 Stand at the Equator at Mitad del Mundo
  • 🛍️ Visit the iconic Otavalo Market for local crafts
  • 🥾 Hike the stunning trails of Cajas National Park
Lake Titicaca
Crystal waters echo ancient Andean legends
At about 12,500 feet above sea level, Lake Titicaca is among the world's highest large lakes. Inca legend says the first ruler, Manco Cápac, rose from the lake. Every February the city of Puno holds the Virgen de la Candelaria festival. Thousands of costumed dancers fill the streets. UNESCO lists it as cultural heritage.
Highlights:
  • 🍲 Taste quinoa soup in Puno market
  • 🏛️ Explore Tiwanaku ruins on Isla del Sol
  • ⛵ Float on a traditional Uros reed boat
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